Sometimes it's fun to be a tourist in your own city. A few months ago, I visited some of the best dog friendly attractions in Seattle with Chester and Gretel. While I have a gazillion (almost an exact figure. Ha, ha.) photos of Chester and Gretel, I don't have many of us together. I decided to partner with local Seattle pet photographer - Julie Austin Photography - to follow us around and capture … [Read more...]

It's said that dogs are like their owners... or visa-versa. If someone owns a dog that likes to hike or play in the outdoors, they are active pet parents themselves.
The problem with those of us who are avid outdoors people is that we usually have all the gear and gadgets we need for the sport of our choice. That makes buying a gift for us hard.
So what are you supposed to get the … [Read more...]

I kept an eye out for cool products all year precisely with you in mind. Every year around Christmas time, I like to share our favorites.
Note: This article contains affiliate links, which means that we get a few pennies, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase to help support this blog (and we really, really appreciate it!)
For Dachshunds
1) Teckelklub Luxy Jacket - This adorable … [Read more...]

I am terrible at drinking enough water. I mean terrible. It's a bit horrifying really.
Although I often get liquids through the food I eat, there have been evenings where I realize that I never drank a glass of water that day. Not one!
I think back on my health issues - chronic fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches, digestive issues, chronic inflammation, joint pain - and wonder how much of that … [Read more...]

In case you're new to the blog, or haven't had the chance to catch up, Gretel suffered a back injury and was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). When it happened, it was during a period when we were training for a 5k (it was jumping off the couch that injured her though). Of course, our training immediately stopped but the reality is that she should never run with me again. I … [Read more...]

Many years ago I discovered the wonder of having a dog Mom purse. I discovered this great bag - sort of a small messenger bag but with a lot of purse qualities and a lot of pockets - at a thrift store. I didn't buy it with a specific intention in mind but it became my dog purse. I filled it with everything I would need on a walk with the dogs and kept it by the door. It made it easier and more … [Read more...]

Welcome to my list of top 20 gift picks this season for "EveryDog", adventurous dogs, Dog Moms, and Dog Dads. Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that I get a small percentage of each purchase you make to help keep this blog running. Others links may be to products and companies that I have worked with in the past. The products wouldn't be listed here though if I didn't love … [Read more...]

Over the last couple of years we have tried lots and lots of different subscription boxes for dogs. Chester and Gretel have enjoyed eating and playing with the goodies but the "surprise" is lost on them. I, however, am addicted to getting mail. Especially unknown mail.
I thought, why should the dogs get all of the fun? I started ordering some subscription boxes for myself. One of those boxes is … [Read more...]

I used to despise the cold season - which is at least 8 months long in Seattle - until I bought some cute, comfy clothes. Now I look forward to bundling up and heading out for walks with the dogs.
Last year I shared my favorite winter clothes for walking Chester and Gretel in the winter. It was a popular post so I thought I would publish one for this year too. I still wear several items from my … [Read more...]

I prefer that Chester and Gretel walk everywhere. I mean, I take them with me so they get exercise. Sometimes we go to a place where it is too dangerous or stressful for them to be on the ground though. In those cases, I prefer to have something I can carry them in.
I've tried several sling carriers that you wear and can tuck a small dog inside. None of them have worked for us though. Besides … [Read more...]

Imagine a world where every person spent 15 minutes a day giving back to society. A good portion of those people would be inspired to help animals. Imagine the impact that would have on animal rescues and shelters.
The truth is that every person probably would give back if they had the time or financial means. The fact is that most don't though. In order to get more people to give back, you … [Read more...]

When I started hiking almost 20 years ago I didn't own many clothes made for being active in the outdoors. I remember what a glorious day it was when I discovered polypropolene and synthetic fabrics.
It was always a love-hate relationship though. I liked not feeling soggy the whole hike and enjoyed fun perks like a lower risk of hypothermia (since cotton offers zero warmth when damp). I … [Read more...]

SUP, or Stand Up Paddleboarding, is the fastest growing water sport in the world. I've seen the sport around for a couple of years but blew it off as a passing trend. Well, I tried it the first time this year with Chester and Gretel and now I'm hooked!
We're lucky to have a rental place (and a lake) minutes from our house that allows dogs to accompany their owners on the equipment. Renting … [Read more...]

I have a secret. I've hiked a lot over the years. I've been snowshoeing too - where the snow was deep and required them. However, I have almost 100% avoided HIKING on snowy trails. I guess you could call me a fair weather hiker. I'm pretty inexperienced when it comes to hiking on anything but dirt trails.
I guess another "shame" I bear is that I have been largely out of the hiking game the last … [Read more...]

I never was a girl scout. I like to be prepared for anything though. My "always prepared" motto is front-of-mind when I go for day hikes. I like to bring enough stuff with me that I feel confident I could survive a night in the wilderness in case something went wrong.
"Emergency" items I bring on hikes usually include a small first aid kit, a fresh pair of socks (that can also double as … [Read more...]

As a blogger, I get a dozen or so emails a week wanting me to check out this product or mention that company. I received an enthusiastic email the other day from a guy who wanted me to take a look at the dog sleeping bag he invented. I liked this guy's attitude so I thought I would check it out.
If those of you who have been reading my blog for a while haven't guessed already, I will admit it. … [Read more...]

Today's post is part of the #ScoopThatPoop campaign hosted by Sugar the Golden Retriever. GoMotion provided me a LITEBELT for review. However, to me, free does not equal good so everything I say about it is really how I feel.
The short winter days mean that most of our walks are done early in the morning or late at night when it is dark. That poses a challenge when picking up dog poop. It can … [Read more...]

Winter is upon us. I love the sun so I always go through a phase of resistance before I get into the cold-weather mood. In winter, I have a harder time getting Chester and Gretel out for a walk. I mean who is motivated to walk when it is dark early, cold, rainy and sometimes windy?
I think the thing I look forward to most is getting to wear all of my snuggly winter clothes. These are my … [Read more...]

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I Am Not Your Vet….

I am just a passionate pet parent that shares a lot of information on this blog. Some of it is researched facts; some of it is stuff I learned through the experience of owning and hiking with a Dachshund for 10 years; and some of it is just good ol' opinion. Please check with your veterinarian before your dog undertakes a new exercise routine, you introduce a new food, treat or supplement, or to confirm that anything I suggest here is a good fit for your dog.

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